The crisp December air nipped at Kai's skin as he made his way across the empty school grounds. The silence that enveloped the campus was both eerie and comforting, a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of student life. With most of his peers away for the winter break, Kai found himself alone with his thoughts and ambitions.

For the past few weeks, Kai had adhered to a rigorous schedule that would have broken most ordinary individuals. Each day, he dedicated a staggering fifteen hours to meditation, pushing the boundaries of his mind and body. The remaining hours were split between basic necessities like eating and sleeping, with a small portion reserved for his usual academic pursuits.

This grueling regimen had not been in vain. As the first week of December reached its midpoint, Kai experienced a breakthrough that sent shockwaves through his being. He had ascended to Mortal Qi Realm III, a feat that, until recently, he had dismissed as mere fantasy. The surge of power that coursed through his veins was intoxicating, a tangible reminder of how far he had come and how much further he could go.

Despite the elation of his recent advancement, Kai couldn't shake the feeling of restlessness that plagued him. The school, once a hub of activity and learning, now stood as a silent testament to the passing of time. Corridors that once echoed with laughter and conversation now amplified the sound of his solitary footsteps.

Seeking both distraction and potential knowledge, Kai found himself drawn to the school library. As he pushed open the heavy wooden doors, the musty scent of old books greeted him like an old friend. Row upon row of shelves stretched before him, their contents holding the promise of untold wisdom and adventure.

However, as Kai began to peruse the titles, his excitement quickly gave way to disappointment. The majority of the books were basic texts, covering fundamental subjects that he had long since mastered. Interspersed among these were various works of fiction, fantasy stories that once might have captured his imagination but now seemed childish in comparison to the real power he was cultivating.

A sigh escaped Kai's lips as he ran his fingers along the spines of the books. In his mind, he couldn't help but think that if there had been any truly valuable tomes—mid-tier books containing advanced knowledge or secret techniques—they would have been pilfered long ago. The thought was both frustrating and oddly comforting; at least he wasn't missing out on readily available resources.

As Kai meandered through the library, his keen eyes scanning for anything of interest, a glint caught his attention. In the far corner of the room stood a dilapidated desk, its wood splintered and warped with age. Curiosity piqued, Kai approached the forgotten piece of furniture.

Wedged in a crack between the desk's drawers was a book unlike any Kai had seen before. Its cover was made of a material he couldn't quite identify—not quite leather, not quite cloth, but something in between. The edges were frayed, and the color had faded to an indistinct hue that spoke of countless years of neglect.

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With careful hands, Kai extracted the book from its impromptu hiding place. As he did so, a small cloud of dust billowed up, causing him to sneeze. Once the air cleared, Kai's eyes widened as he read the title emblazoned on the cover in faded gold lettering: "The Journey of The Immortal."

A sardonic laugh escaped Kai's lips before he could stop it. The sound echoed in the empty library, a harsh reminder of his solitude. Immortality? It was the stuff of legends, of bedtime stories told to wide-eyed children. Even with his recent advancement in the realm of Qi manipulation, the concept of eternal life seemed far-fetched at best.

And yet...

Kai couldn't deny the stirring of curiosity within him. His fingers traced the embossed letters on the cover, feeling the weight of history and mystery in his hands. He had come so far already, achieved what many would deem impossible. Who was he to dismiss the possibility of immortality outright?

The rational part of his mind argued against such fanciful notions. It reminded him of the harsh realities of the world, of the deception and disappointment that lurked behind grand promises. But another part of him, perhaps the part that had driven him to pursue the path of Qi cultivation in the first place, whispered of untold possibilities.

For several long moments, Kai stood there, the book cradled in his hands as he wrestled with his thoughts. The empty library seemed to hold its breath, waiting for his decision. Finally, with a slight shake of his head—whether in amusement at his own curiosity or resignation to it, he wasn't sure—Kai tucked the book under his arm.

As he made his way out of the library, Kai's mind raced with possibilities. What secrets might this ancient tome hold? Would it be nothing more than elaborate fiction, a waste of his precious time? Or could it possibly contain kernels of truth, hidden techniques that could further his cultivation?

The journey back to his dormitory was a blur, Kai's focus entirely on the mysterious book he carried. The weight of it against his side felt significant, as though it carried more than just pages and ink. With each step, Kai's anticipation grew, along with a nagging sense of skepticism that he couldn't quite shake.

Reaching his room, Kai closed the door behind him with a soft click. The familiar surroundings—sparse furnishings, neatly made bed, and the lingering scent of incense from his meditation sessions—grounded him somewhat. He placed the book on his desk, the faded cover a stark contrast to the modern simplicity of his living space.

For a long moment, Kai simply stared at "The Journey of The Immortal," his mind awash with conflicting thoughts. Part of him wanted to dive in immediately, to unravel whatever secrets the book might hold. Another part urged caution, reminding him of the dangers of getting lost in fantastical ideas.

As the last rays of the winter sun filtered through his window, casting long shadows across the room, Kai made his decision. He would read the book, but he would do so with a critical mind. He would not allow himself to be swept away by grandiose claims or impossible promises. Instead, he would approach it as he did all his studies—with discipline, skepticism, and an open mind to new possibilities.

With resolute hands, Kai picked up the ancient tome. The spine creaked as he opened it, releasing a scent of age and forgotten knowledge. As his eyes fell upon the first page, the world around him seemed to fade away. The empty school, the cold winter outside, even his recent breakthrough in Qi cultivation—all of it receded into the background as Kai immersed himself in the words before him.